telefonear
/telefoneˈaɾ/
To phone (someone) in Spanish, you can use telefonear. Wiktionary also lists llamar por teléfono and timbrar.
Meaning: to call (someone) on the telephone (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| telefonear | /telefoneˈaɾ/ |
| llamar por teléfono | /ʝamaɾ poɾ telefono/ (from spelling rules) |
| timbrar | /timˈbɾaɾ/ |
Which one should you use?
telefonear specifically refers to calling via telephone, whereas the more common verb llamar is used in everyday Spanish to mean 'to call', whether you are calling someone on the phone or simply shouting their name. timbrar is not used for the act of a person making a call, but rather describes the action of a phone or a doorbell ringing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, celular is the most popular term for the noun 'phone'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase llamar por teléfono is a periphrasis where llamar is the transitive verb and por teléfono acts as the instrumental adjunct.
How do you pronounce it?
/telefoneˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word llamar is a close relative of the English words 'claim' and 'clamor', sharing the same ancient root related to making a loud noise.
- The term celular is used in Latin America, but in Spain, people use móvil, which relates to the word 'mobile'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, the verb timbrar is used colloquially to mean 'to call someone' because it mimics the sound of the bell.
Examples in context
- Desearía llamar por teléfono.I'd like to make a phone call.This sentence shows how to express a desire to make a phone call using llamar por teléfono.Tatoeba #7460121 by arh, translation #5598389 by CK
- ¿Dónde puedo llamar por teléfono?Where can I make a phone call?This sentence is useful for asking where one can make a phone call using llamar por teléfono.Tatoeba #1582634 by Alba, translation #1582614 by marcelostockle
- Voy a llamar por teléfono.I'll make a phone call.This sentence shows how to express an intention to make a phone call using llamar por teléfono.Tatoeba #872676 by nevlanthiriel, translation #279325 by CK
- ¿Dónde dejé mi celular?Where did I leave my phone?
- Voy a comprar un nuevo móvil.I'm going to buy a new phone.
- Por favor, apague su teléfono durante la reunión.Please turn off your phone during the meeting.
- El uso del teléfono móvil está prohibido en estas instalaciones.The use of mobile phones is prohibited on these premises.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- ElenaTe voy a telefonear mañana.I am going to phone you tomorrow.
- JavierPerfecto, estaré esperando tu llamada.Perfect, I will be waiting for your call.
- ElenaNecesito telefonear a mi madre primero.I need to phone my mother first.
- JavierClaro, hazlo ahora mismo.Sure, do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “phone” translations and entries telefonear, timbrar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries llamar, por, telefonear, teléfono, timbrar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
